Drip Irrigation - How to Plan and Install Low Water Irrigation

The most important part of the system is the emitters. Over the years emitters have become very sophisticated, each geared for specific jobs in the system.

Drip emitters are available for flow rates of 1/2 to 4 gallons per hour. These emitters drip water on specific plants such as trees, shrubs and container plants.

Misters spray water at 2-5 gph. Use their fine spray on ferns and other plants that require frequent irrigation. But remember even a light breeze can cause the mist to turn to drip so operate in the early morning or in protected areas.

Minisprays come in several spray patterns: 90, 180 and 360 degrees as well as specialized patterns -- a narrow strip, for example. These throw water a distance of 4-10 feet and the flow rates vary from 3 to 30 gph. Minisprays are positioned 10 to 15 inches above the soil and held by a stake. Use them in large beds and ground-cover areas along with...

Minisprinklers which water a full circle by spinning small droplets or streams in a 360 degree arc. These are least affected by the wind and should be considered for large beds only.

There are other components that make your system self-reliant. Install a system shut-off valve, which controls the entire drip system. It allows you to shut off the system to repair or expand it without turning off the water to the house.

A backflow preventer is recommended for all watering systems that are connected to drinking water.

The most common is the anti-siphon device that eliminates the possibility of back flow of irrigation water into the drinking water system.

The filter and pressure regulator are necessary parts of the head assembly. Even when water is usually free of sediment it can still occasionally send particles large enough to block your system.

Y-line filters are better than in-line filters, because you don't have to take the system apart to clean them.

And remember drip irrigation systems operate at a water pressure of 20 to 30 pounds per square inch (psi). House water ranges from 50 - 100 psi. A pressure regulator is needed to reduce and regulate the pressure. It greatly expands the life of tubing and fittings as well as reducing leads and pressure blowouts.

Most garden centers carry a full line of drip irrigation parts and tubing and will be happy to help you design a system that answers your garden's needs and relieves you from spending your summer at the end of a garden hose.